The mysteries of Queen's | AngelaAMS ¦ English Version

Chapter nine

HEATHER JOHNSON

I raise an eyebrow at Louise when she touches my shoulder to get my attention, but without a word she takes my chin and turns my head forward to look at the scene before my eyes.

Nicholas with Dove.

My sister, after I told her the day before yesterday about the ice cream parlour I went to -quite a good one by the way- said that maybe it would be a good idea for the four of us to come.

Of course, I didn't expect to find my boyfriend and my best friend holding hands, here in London.

I'm the first to enter, ringing the little bell at the entrance announcing my arrival, catching the attention of Nick who quickly lets go of Dove's hand when he recognises me.

"Heather!" he exclaims, approaching me.

"Honey" I force myself to smile, because he doesn't know that I know the truth "what a coincidence"

He grabs my face and kisses me, and for a few moments I unconsciously play along, because while it hasn't been easy for me to forget what he did to me and how he betrayed my trust, he was my partner after all.

"Stop it, you two lovebirds" Dove grimaces, which I'm sure isn't fake. She pulls me to her and hugs me "I've missed you so much."

"We've missed you so much" corrects my... Boyfriend?

Of course, you missed me so much that you replaced me with my best friend.

"Me too, I can't believe you're here, what are you doing here?"

"My parents gave me two plane tickets to London for my birthday, and since you weren't here, I thought I'd ask Dove to come with me."

"I'm sorry I didn't call for your birthday, I've been so busy with my father's company."

I didn't forget, of course not, but I resisted and didn't call. I didn't even leave a message.

"Can you have dinner with me today? Then I can take you to the hotel where I'm staying..." He lowered his voice.

I was uncomfortable with the leering look he gave me, and for the first time I was grateful for Chase's interruption as he cleared his throat noticeably.

"I'm sorry, I almost forgot" I turn to the three people waiting silently. Honey, you know my sister, Louise, and this is Chase and Jacob, my... distant cousins."

I give Chase a sly nudge as he chuckles under his breath, not cooperating with my plan!

"Nice to meet you, I'm Nicholas, Heather's boyfriend" he holds out a hand that only Jacob receives because Chase leaves it outstretched.

I look at my sister. "You guys go order, just give me a second. You know what ice cream I want."

When they're a little further away and Dove is pretending to look at the ice cream shop decorations even though she's listening my conversation, Nicholas grabs me by the waist and pulls me to him.

"Tonight?"

"Tonight" I say. "Do you want me to dress up?"

He smiles impishly at me. "As long as it's a dress... I think it'll be fine."

"Then I'll see you later" I leave a chaste kiss on his lips "text me the time and place. I'll see you there."

He nods and walks out of the ice cream shop with Dove trailing behind, waving goodbye to me.

I walk over to the guys who have already ordered and paid for their ice creams and smile as I start to eat mine.

The vanilla ice cream is simple but delicious.